Ministry allocates E3.8m to festivals

MBABANE – The Ministry of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, has concluded the procurement of sound equipment and a mobile stage unit, funded by a local budget of E3 860 000.

This was revealed during the debate of the Ministry’s Parliament sitting where their portfolio committeereport in Parliament their report for the ministry’s for this financial year.

This allocation also covered the purchase of a motor vehicle.  “Also worth mentioning is that the procurement of this equipment is a milestone because it will strengthen regional programmes within the creatives. It will also make hosting regional festivals to become profitable for artists, as they will access the equipment cheaper than the commercial rates,” read the report.

By providing equipment at rates lower than commercial prices, the ministry aims to reduce overheads for artists. The ministry implemented interventions aimed at preservation, promotion and economic participation. Cultural programmes and festivals were delivered in partnership with stakeholders, contributing to increased participation by artists and cultural practitioners and the positioning of culture as a contributor to tourism and local economic development.

 “Progress was made to strengthen institutional support mechanisms and coordination within the creative and cultural industries,” further stated the report ensuring that significant progress has also been made in improving coordination within the cultural industries.

Preserving indigenous sounds

As part of a mission to safeguard Eswatini’s indigenous musical heritage, a mobile recording studio was deployed to rural communities. The initiative specifically targets music practised by elderly custodians to document traditional sounds and instruments at risk of disappearing.

The studio successfully recorded performances of the Makhonyane musical instrument and traditional Umgubho.

These recordings are now part of a national effort to archive and preserve indigenous music traditions for future generations.

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